fear
9 synonyms and 3 antonyms for fear, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong, unpleasant feeling caused by the sense of danger or threat.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use fear
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English fær, meaning "sudden danger or calamity," related to Dutch gevaar and German Gefahr ("danger").
Full origin of fear →Frequently asked questions
What does “fear” mean?
The word “fear” means a strong, unpleasant feeling caused by the sense of danger or threat. In plain terms, the feeling of being afraid, or to be afraid of something.
How do you pronounce “fear”?
“Fear” is pronounced FEER (/ˈfɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fear” in a sentence?
Here is “fear” used in a sentence: “She felt a sudden fear when the lights went out.”
What is another word for “fear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fear” include afraidness.
What is the opposite of “fear”?
The opposite of “fear” — its antonyms — are courage, belittle and contemn.
What part of speech is “fear”?
Depending on how it is used, “fear” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fear” come from?
The word “fear” comes from Old English. From Old English fær, meaning "sudden danger or calamity," related to Dutch gevaar and German Gefahr ("danger").
Is “fear” a common word?
“Fear” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
Fear is a response to a real, present danger — something identifiable in front of you. Anxiety is more diffuse: worry about a threat that is uncertain, imagined, or still in the future. Fear tends to fade once the danger passes, while anxiety can linger without a clear cause.
What is the difference between fear and a phobia?
Fear is a normal, proportionate reaction to genuine danger. A phobia is an intense, persistent fear that is out of proportion to the actual threat, often of a specific object or situation. Phobias can disrupt daily life and are recognised as a type of anxiety disorder.
Can fear be a good thing?
Yes. Although it feels unpleasant, fear is a survival mechanism that alerts you to danger and prepares the body to react — the familiar 'fight or flight' response. In safe amounts it sharpens focus and keeps you cautious. It only becomes harmful when it is excessive or constant.
What is the opposite of fear?
The most common opposite is courage or bravery — not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it. Words like confidence, calm, and security also stand against fear, describing the settled state of mind you feel when no threat or danger is present.